Winter 2003

Eagarfhocal

Clonmel will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2004, making it two in a row and five in all for the ‘Meadow of the Honey’. The unanimous verdict in awarding this premier cultural festival to the Tipperary capital again is a well-deserved vote of confidence following on an outstanding 2003 Fleadh. Here is how the local ‘Nationalist’ newspaper described it -

What a weekend! All the superlatives in the book have been used to describe the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2003. From mighty to unforgettable. Fabulous to brilliant, mesmerising to spectacular.

In a week which saw images of horrendous bomb explosions, killings and maiming flashed across our television screens from several parts of the world, it was a pleasure to see so many people, of all creeds, races and ages, enjoying a peaceful weekend of music and sociability. A world in harmony with itself.

The peace and spirituality, humanity and friendship represented at some of the Fleadh concerts stood in stark contrast to the sadness and tragedy and man’s inhumanity to man we saw on those television reports. That was how one Fleadh speaker put it.

That is what the Fleadh is all about. That is what Irish traditional music, song and dance is all about. Corssing geographic, social, racial and religous barriers and enjoying the company of others. Sharing in a musical heritage that is centuries old and has lovingly been preserved and performed and cherished and handed down from one generation to another to share and enjoy.

General

Everyone will agree that to win an All-Ireland senior céilí band title is a phenomenal achievement, but to win three successive titles in succession has to be the stuff of lagend. Up until 2003 only four bands have managed to accomplish this incredible feat in the…

When the biography of Joe Burke comes to be written, the source notes will surely refer to the presentation given at Tionól Leo Rowsome by Charlie Lennon and Séamus Mac Mathúna when Joe received Gradam an Chomhaltais 2003 on the 11th September. The…